Inside Intermodal

Join us as we kick off Intermodal EXPO with this attendee favorite. Hear from our panel of industry experts as they provide their insights on the current state of the industry and where we are headed. With detailed coverage of ocean carriers, truckers, 3PLs, and intermodal, you’ll get the inside view of key topics affecting your operations.

Managing & Mitigating Risk

Freight transportation comes with a certain element of risk, but it is frequently kept to a minimum with solid partners and proper planning. The current environment has added new pressure to risk management. Whether it’s geopolitical, climatic, or criminal, new threats are emerging that threaten the safe transport of goods. This panel of experts will explore the various means of reducing risk to the freight supply chain and how to prepare.

Drayage Health Check

In this session, hear a “drayage state of the state,” including the latest on demand levels, equipment statuses, and operational challenges. Our panel will further explore what can, and should, be done to further the conversation on data analysis, technology integration, and stakeholder collaboration for the betterment of the drayage community and intermodal as a whole.

Strategic Marketing for Today’s Intermodal

How are companies developing marketing strategies to position themselves strongly for the road ahead? What factors should be considered as campaigns are developed? Join as our panel of transportation marketing experts tackle these questions and more in providing you pragmatic takeaways for our own operations.

Navigating Nearshoring: Intermodal Perspectives on Supply Chain Realignment

Our panel will examine the impact of nearshoring on intermodal operations. From shifts in shipping routes and modal preferences to changes in port utilization and distribution patterns, our industry experts will tackle how the evolving landscape is influencing the flow of goods in an effort to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce lead times, and mitigate risks associated with global disruptions.

AI in Intermodal: Beyond ChatGPT

Where is AI heading in the industry? What is its true potential vs “science fiction?” What are common use cases currently employed? Our panel will go beyond the surface to uncover the latest innovations and practical implementations of AI across various facets of intermodal transportation. From route optimization and demand forecasting to real-time tracking and autonomous vehicles, we will examine how AI-driven solutions are enhancing efficiency and reliability throughout the industry.

The Decarbonization Conundrum

The intermodal industry is facing an energy transition. The EPA has released its final Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Phase 3 standard, eleven states have adopted Advanced Clean Truck rules, and California's Advanced Clean Fleets mandate is pending. Our panel will discuss the straightest line path to facility and fleet decarbonization, a chicken and egg conundrum that requires engagement from a range of transportation and energy stakeholders.

Keynote Address: Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan

Meghan O'Sullivan, this year's EXPO Keynote speaker, is a globally respected geopolitical expert who has advised the nation’s highest-ranking leaders on some of the most-complex challenges in international affairs. She is the Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

Dr. O’Sullivan addresses topics such as the ever-evolving U.S.-China dynamic, the ties between Europe and Russia, and the changing energy and climate landscape, sharing feasible strategies for companies on risk assessment and how to adapt business to geopolitical and domestic political shifts.

Speaker

Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan
Geopolitical Authority & Presidential Advisor; Harvard Professor & Administrator

The Voice of the Customer (Shipper Panel)

What does it really take to convert a load from truck to intermodal? Our BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner) panel will discuss common challenges and actionable solutions regarding the shipper-carrier relationship. We'll examine the real expectations of BCOs in terms of reliability, visibility, and innovation in intermodal transportation. Key factors driving modal selection decisions will be discussed as will how BCOs collaborate with carriers, 3PLs, and other stakeholders to achieve their supply chain objectives.

Connecting Intermodal: Uniting Worldwide Transportation Systems for Intermodal Success

Our panel will discuss current barriers that hamper the efficient flow of goods and information in our industry including regulatory and infrastructure disparities, and technological fragmentation. The conversation will highlight key initiatives, recommended practices, and emerging technologies that hold the potential to bridge operational gaps to foster greater collaboration. Hear how interoperable data standards, governance frameworks, and investment in smart infrastructure could provide pathways to interconnectedness.

Hot Topics in Rail

What are the need-to-know issues affecting rail and what does this mean for the larger intermodal industry as a whole? Join us for critical insights into current challenges from insiders’ perspectives. Topics covered include sustainability, safety, service, and the latest on activist investors.

Fighting Fraud

“Double broker”, the age-old challenge, has now been joined by spoofing scams, outright theft, even holding freight hostage, as new threats to freight. How can we work together to limit the risks that the industry faces and protect our customers’ freight—and our livelihoods? Join this important discussion on fighting fraud.

Intermodal Executive Insights

Join us as we bring the educational program to a close at Intermodal EXPO. We’ll sit down with industry leaders to discuss the supply chain, the future of freight, and what it takes to succeed in the business of intermodal.